Gabbia Injury Forces Milan to Rethink Transfer Plans: GdS Promotions and the market how Gabbia s injury changes Milan s plans

FolioPitch.com – 14 October 2026 | AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim is facing a defensive crisis after losing key centre-back Matteo Gabbia to a long-term injury. The setback, which could sideline Gabbia for up to four months, has forced the club to reassess its strategy both on the pitch and in the transfer market. As La Gazzetta dello Sport reports, the GdS Promotions and the market how Gabbia s injury changes Milan s plans have become a central talking point among fans and pundits alike.

Gabbia, who had established himself as a reliable option in the heart of defence, will undergo either conservative treatment or surgery. In the best-case scenario, he returns in three months; if surgery is required, that timeline extends to four. Either way, Amorim will not see the Italian defender on the training field until 2027. The timing could hardly be worse, especially with Alexis Saelemaekers also sidelined for months after ankle surgery.

Why Milan Prioritised an Attacking Midfielder

Last summer, Milan’s transfer strategy raised eyebrows when the club focused on signing an attacking midfielder rather than a defender. The GdS Promotions and the market how Gabbia s injury changes Milan s plans now highlights how that decision is being revisited. Amorim and his staff believed they had enough internal solutions: Filippo Terracciano could cover centre-right, Davide Bartesaghi centre-left, and young Valeri Vladimiro was deemed ready for a full-time promotion.

Numerically, the squad appeared sufficient. But the strength of the defensive unit was always a concern. The Fikayo Tomori situation also played a role: once Milan realised they could not secure a new defender, Tomori was quickly reintegrated. Yet, he has yet to play a single minute under Amorim, and it remains to be seen whether he can be relied upon during this demanding stretch.

The Current Defensive Options

Without Gabbia, Milan’s starting centre-backs are Mario Gila, Koni De Winter, and Strahinja Pavlovic. The latter has played every minute so far, a workload that is simply not sustainable. Behind them, Sankhoun Diawara – a summer signing who has gone unnoticed – is viewed as a prospect for the future, but he may now be thrust into action sooner than expected. Terracciano and Bartesaghi offer versatility, while 18-year-old Vladimirov is another emerging option.

The GdS Promotions and the market how Gabbia s injury changes Milan s plans also brings into focus the club’s January intentions. Milan’s philosophy remains to only sign players who improve the squad’s quality. The primary target is Gonçalo Inacio, but Sporting CP are unlikely to sell a key starter mid-season. However, a suitable offer – around €40 million – could change their stance.

January Window: Inacio or Nothing?

Inacio has been on Milan’s radar for some time. The failure to sign him in the summer was partly due to Sporting’s inability to find a replacement in time. Now, with Gabbia out, the need for a centre-back is more urgent. Yet, the club is wary of making panic buys. The GdS Promotions and the market how Gabbia s injury changes Milan s plans suggests that Milan will only move if the right profile becomes available.

Internal solutions may have to suffice until January. Amorim will need to rotate his defenders carefully, especially with a congested fixture list before the next international break. Tomori’s return to favour could be crucial, while Diawara’s development may be accelerated. The young Frenchman has potential, but throwing him into Serie A battles is a risk.

Conclusion

Matteo Gabbia’s injury is a significant blow to Milan’s season. It exposes the lack of depth in defence and raises questions about the club’s summer transfer priorities. While the squad is numerically adequate, the quality and experience in reserve are questionable. The GdS Promotions and the market how Gabbia s injury changes Milan s plans will continue to evolve as the January window approaches. For now, Amorim must make do with what he has, hoping that his makeshift defence can hold the fort until reinforcements arrive – if they arrive at all.